Document: Mike Leach Files Court Injunction Against Texas Tech

Mike Leach has filed a motion for a temporary injunction against Texas Tech’s suspension that, if approved, would allow him to coach in Texas Tech’s January 2nd bowl game against Michigan State. SBNation.com has obtained a copy of the injunction request, which you can download in .PDF format here, or you can scroll down to read it in our Flash player.

Within the complaint, we find the letter from the University to coach Leach that first informed him of the suspension:

In response to that claim and the subsequent controversy, Leach’s representation contends the following:

“Mike Leach has been accused by a ‘player and his parents’ of mistreating one of the players at Texas Tech. There has been absolutely no evidence presented that Mike Leach committed any act which harmed or caused any risk to his player or that he otherwise violated any university rules or standards. Craig James, an ESPN analyst and rumored potential political candidate, has apparently fueled this controvery to retaliate against Mike Leach for his displeasure with the extent of his son’s role on Texas Tech University’s football team.”

Without any explanation about what Mike Leach did wrong, without even naming the individual(s) who have accused Mike Leach of wrongdoing, and with absolutely no process regarding the allegations, it is unjust and unconscionable for Defandant (Texas Tech) to suspend Mike Leach so as to prevent him from coaching his team just days before the Alamo Bowl. There is no legal grounds for the suspension, and no provision in Mike Leach’s contract authorizing it.

And then in Leach’s affidavit, the Texas Tech coach makes a personal statement to the court:

On December 28th, I was notified that I was suspended from all duties as Head Football Coach effective immediately. I was provided any reason except that ‘Texas Tech recently received a complaint from a player and his parents regarding [my] treatment of him after his injury.’ The letter did not indicate what I had allegedly done wrong, nor did it reference any rules or standards that I allegedly violated. It did not even identify the players or parents who accused me of mistreatment. There has been absolutely no evidence presented to me that I committed any act which violated any university rules or standards. I have never and would never intentionally harm a player. I am committed to the University of Texas Tech and the well being of my football players. I have been forced into this situation without being afforded any process. Not being able to coach immediately will cause irreperable harm because preparation for the game is ongoing and it will be over on January 2, 2009. Every minute of preparation is critical to be ready for the game.

We’d heard rumblings that Mike Leach intended to fight this suspension and these allegations, and indeed, his dissent is now a matter of public record. You can read the full document below.